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2012 Post-Draft Assessment: Rounds 1-4

May 2, 2012 at 9:49 AM

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Round 1 Pick 30th Overall - AJ Jenkins(6'0" 190 lbs) WR, Illinois

On Film:

PROS

AJ Jenkins is a smooth route runner who has above average top-end speed running the 40 yard dash in 4.39 secs. More importantly is that Jenkins has good body control and maintains his speed while getting in and out of his breaks. Jenkins has good concentration and natural catching ability always hauling the ball in with his hands and has ran multiple routes from the X, Z, and slot positions during his tenure at Illinois. He was the focal point of Illinois offense in the passing game catching 40% of all thrown passess in the 2011 season. (For reference, Justin Blackmon and Colby Fleener caught 28% of all thrown passes in 2011) Jenkins also caught more than 55% of all the TD passes delivered in the 2011 season.

CONS

AJ Jenkins wears down during the game resulting in loss of effort. He also does not play the jump ball as intelligently as desired in a 1st rounder. Jenkins is not known to be a physical receiver, in fact he played more like a possession receiver. Jenkins small frame will not intimidate defenses.

Best Available Player at pick 30

The best available player at pick #30 would have been Peter Konz, Center from Wisconsin.

Best Available Receiver at pick 30

The best available receiver at pick #30 would have been Coby Fleener, TE from Stanford.

Additional Note:

Similar Combine Results

Name Height Weight 40 yard dash Verticle Leap Shuttle 3 Cone
AJ Jenkins 6'0" 190 4.39 38.5" 4.12 6.73
Kevin Ogletree 6'1" 196 4.36 36" 4.08 6.67
Chad Jackson 6'1" 213 4.32 38.5" 4.03 6.74
Andre Davis 6'1" 194 4.42 39.5" 4.1 6.77
Andre Caldwell 6'1" 204 4.35 33" 4.11 6.75

Round 2 Pick 61st Overall - LaMichael James (5'8" 194 lbs) RB, Oregon

On Film:

PROS

LaMichael James is an explosive play maker at the running back position but can split out as an additional receiver and cause mismatches with linebackers. James is the best 2-cut running back since Jahvid Best, where his skill sets are most effective in space. For a running back his size, James is a shifty rusher in between the tackles. James is undersized even for a running back, but for what he lacks in size, he makes up for in toughness. Throughout his career, James averaged 257 carries, 1694 rush yards, 17 TDs each season over three seasons at Oregon. The amazing note about his production is that they were level all 3 years. James' explosiveness also provides value in the return game.

CONS

As with all small running backs, LaMichael James will struggle with staying healthy at the professional level. James' size will also limit his blocking effectiveness. He is not an all purpose back.

Best Available Player at pick 61

The best available player at pick #61 would have been Brandon Thompson, Defensive Tackle from Clemson.

Best Available Running Back at pick 61

The best available shifty running back at pick #61 would have been LaMichael James, RB from Oregon.

The best available bruiser running back at pick #61 would have been Bernard Pierce, RB from Temple.

Additional Note:

Similar Combine Results

Name Height Weight 40 yard dash Verticle Leap Shuttle 3 Cone
LaMichael James 5'8" 194 4.45 35" 4.12 6.88
Bernard Scott 5'10" 200 4.44 36" 4.08 6.82
Jerome Harrison 5'9" 201 4.47 34.5" 4.08 6.79
Javon Ringer 5'9" 205 4.55 34" 4.11 6.87

Round 3 Pick 92nd Overall - Traded

The results of trading this only pick led to the following draft picks:

3rd Round in 2013 (from Carolina Panthers)

5th Round in 2013 (from Indinapolis Colts)

6th Round in 2013 (from Miami Dolphins)

6th Round 180 Overall in 2012 (from Carolina Panthers)

Best Available Player at 92 Overall

The best available player at pick #92 would have been Brandon Thompson, Defensive Tackle from Clemson.


Round 4 Pick 117th Overall - Joe Looney (6'3" 309 lbs) G, Wake Forest

On Film:

PROS

Joe Looney's best attributes is his ability to get to the 2nd level, identify linebackers, and become an obstacle for defenders. He has excellent quickness and is nimble for a guy his size. Looney has also displayed the ability to fight off stunts. He has good upper body power tossing blitzing defensive linemans to his fellow linemans in order to pass protect. His best fit will be in a zone blocking scheme.

CONS

Looney does not have very good technique in run or pass protection. As a run blocker, Looney lacks the drive in his legs to gain ground at the line of scrimmage. Looney also doesn't have the power at the point of impact to dominate his opposition. At the 2nd level, Looney has a tendency to wrap up his opposition rather than knocking them down or stonewalling the defenders. As a pass blocker, Looney allows too many pass rushers to get underneathe his chest. His hand placement needs to be better all around, especially when blocking smaller pass rushers.

Best Available Player at pick 117

The best available player at pick #117 would have been Josh Chapman, Defensive Tackle from Alabama.

Best Available Guard at pick 117

The best available guard at pick #117 would have been Senio Kelemete, Guard from Washington.

The opinions within this article are those of the writer and, while just as important, are not necessarily those of the site as a whole.
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